WA parliament prorogued

The West Australian parliament has been prorogued, bringing an end to parliamentary business almost three months ahead of the state election.

Premier Colin Barnett announced on Friday that Governor Malcolm McCusker had made the proclamation on the advice of Executive Council, terminating all business in the WA Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council for the year.

It means bills not passed by both houses must be reintroduced in the next session.

Mr Barnett said the state government would probably go into caretaker mode in early February.

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"Normally ... the election has been called four or five weeks out, and then parliament is prorogued.

"If there's an emergency situation, I think it prevents parliament from being reformed between now and March 9, unless there's some sort of constitutional matter between the government and the Governor."

While standing committees appointed by either house still exist, they may not meet and do business. Select committees cease to exist.

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan said the decision had been made "far too early ... especially while some key contentious public issues still need to be fully investigated".

"Investigations into the Peel Health Campus, the real cost of major infrastructure projects and the true state of Western Australia's finances are all matters that need to be completed and put into the public arena," Mr McGowan said.

"This cynical ploy by the premier will prevent proper scrutiny and demonstrates his priorities are not in the best interests of Western Australians."